Discover Sudeep through Kotigobba 2: KS Ravi Kumar

Kotigobba

2 brings ace Tamil film director KS Ravi Kumar to

Kannada

cinema. However, the director credits his Sandalwood debut to Kannada star Sudeep, who features in the lead role of this film, as well as its Tamil version,

Mudinja Ivana Pudi

. Ahead of the release of the bilingual, he speaks to the Bangalore Times about his journey into Kannada cinema and how he discovered a new friend in Sudeep. Excerpts'

While one could expect you to work on a Tamil film like Mudinja Ivana Pudi, what made you decide to work on its Kannada version, Kotigobba 2?
The producers of this film (who are Bengaluru-based) approached me three and a half years ago. They told me that they had managed to get Sudeep's dates and that Sudeep wanted me to direct him. I was already impressed with Sudeep's work in

Eega

and was looking forward to working with him. We had our schedule ready when Rajinikanth told me he was free to work on Lingaa with me at around the same time. When I informed Rajinikanth that I had committed my dates to this film, he offered to wait till I finished this one. But when Sudeep found about my dates issue, and that Rajinikanth had said he'd wait, he would not hear of it. Sudeep insisted on reshuffling his dates and allowed me to go ahead with Lingaa. We began shooting for Sudeep's film after Lingaa. Today, even though we are ready to release both the Tamil and Kannada versions of Sudeep's film, I have to say that I am still trying to learn Kannada.

After working with Sudeep, how would you describe him and your experience of working with him?
We all know he is a good artist, but he is also a good technician and an even better human being. Even though he has directed films himself, I found that he would never interfere with the work of a director. He was always open to suggestions and, as far as the dialogues went, he would even offer suggestions, but nothing for which we had to toe the line, as it were. Over the years, I am happy to say that I have found a good friend in Sudeep too.

You are introducing Sudeep as the hero in Tamil cinema with this one. Any expectations from the audience?
Sudeep is a big star in Kannada films. He is known for his role as the villain in Tamil. With this film, we are not only bringing the audiences of two languages together, but we are also catering to his image as that of a hero and as that of a villain. The story, therefore, has been carefully penned to make such a merger possible. As to how it was done, you will have to watch the film and find out.

A line in the film ' 'That's the power of money' ' has gone viral on social media. As the person who wrote the line, how much do you relate to it?
Money does play a huge role in everybody's life, whether one accepts it or not. Yes, there are other things that are important, but one can't deny the fact that money is power.

As a commercial filmmaker, what do you feel are the right ingredients in making such a film?
A commercial film is like eating from an elaborate meal at a wedding hall, wherein you know that all varieties of delicacies will be served. I do not believe in causing tension in the minds of my audience with genres like action or even horror. But my films will have a bit of everything: romance, emotions, action, song and dance ' the whole mix. I want people to watch my films and go back feeling happy about them. I am proud to say I am a commercial filmmaker.